On the back and left shoulder of every NFL game official is a key identifier — a uniform number. When officials join the league, assigning them a number is a very early order of business.

The number — worn by NFL officials since 1942 — gives the official an identity beyond the black-and-white-striped shirt. Ask any NFL official and there will likely be a story on how he or she obtained the number or some other personal connection to the digits. It also serves as another way to know which official ruled on a particular play when assignment details are not readily available or recalled by memory.

“You know who’s assigned to the game, but it does save a step,” said Dean Blandino, NFL vice president of officiating from 2013-17. “If someone sent me a play, while I knew who was assigned to the game, it was immediate in identifying the official.”

Numbers worn in the NFL have included 1 all the way to 142, with some exceptions.
In the first Super Bowl — then known as the NFL-AFL Championship Game — three officials represented each league. Each of the officials’ numbers ended with 0 and the backups’ numbers ended with 1. Thus, referee Norm Schachter was number 10, umpire George Young was number 20, head linesman Bernie Ullman wore number 30, line judge Al Sabato sported number 40, field judge Mike Lisetski was assigned number 50 and back judge Jack Reader was number 60.

But it wasn’t always that simple.

Beginning with the 1979 season, the NFL flirted with an eventual failed experiment — duplicate numbers assigned by position. That season, the NFL assigned numbers by position, predominantly from 3 through 20, excluding 13. So, with seven game officials across multiple positions, but not on the same regular-season crew, could there ever be a problem?

In back-to-back Super Bowls, number 7 caused a problem for the NFL. Fred Silva and Al Conway both wore number 7 during the regular season and were assigned to Super Bowl XIV. Fortunately, Silva wore a black hat as the referee and Conway wore a white hat as the umpire, but they wore identical numbers during the game.

Head linesman Tony Veteri Sr., line judge Tom Dooley, back judge Tom Kelleher and field judge Fritz Graf all wore number 7 during the 1980 season and were assigned to Super Bowl XV. Instead of doubling down on the previous year’s debacle, Kelleher was the only number 7 during the game, based on his seniority. Veteri, Dooley and Graf were given different numbers for the game. Veteri wore 8, Dooley wore 10 and Graf wore 17.
The experiment ultimately would be short-lived and most officials went back to unique numbers for the 1982 season.

“WE’LL SAVE A SPOT FOR YOU”

Retired down judge Ed Camp wore number 134 and did so proudly despite stereotypes of it being a bottom-of-the-barrel, triple-digit number.

“I was crushed,” Camp said when he learned of his number assignment when he joined the league. “But it’s grown on me.”

Camp did not hold the highest number, however, as Pete Morelli sported number 135. Only field judge Dave Warden and back judge Perry Paganelli have worn higher numbers in the history of the league. Warden wore number 137 during the 1998 season before switching to number 27 for his final four seasons, while Paganelli wore number 142 in 1998 and switched to number 46 after that season.

As if to molify him, Camp was told 134 is only 100 digits away from longtime referee Gerald Austin (34), who was assigned to three Super Bowls.

“We’ll save a spot for you,” Camp said he was told by college officiating peers when he told them his NFL number assignment. “You’ll be back.”

Camp, in the league since 2000, was assigned as the down judge for Super Bowl LIII — never returning to his former NCAA stomping grounds.

Now, after Camp’s retirement at the end of the 2021 season — culminating with his third assignment as a Super Bowl alternate — Robin DeLorenzo wears number 134 after being hired into the NFL for the 2022 season.

DeLorenzo referenced Camp as her first mentor in the New Jersey Football Officials Association North (NJFOA) in a Facebook post when Camp was slated to work the 2022 AFC Championship game as the down judge — presumably his last assignment before being selected as a Super Bowl alternate two weeks later. DeLorenzo met Camp on the first night of her cadet class in an effort to become a high school football official in New Jersey.

“Throughout my college career, there are always three calls that go out when I get a promotion or a special game: my parents, Tom (DeLorenzo’s husband) and Ed Camp,” DeLorenzo said in the post.

“Between the cadet classes every week where (Camp) would show us hours of film, to the study sessions, to coming to our games, to showing up to clinics to share his experiences. The man dedicated his whole life to football and making sure the NJFOA North (and other groups) had the most prepared officials around!” she wrote.

THE OFFICIAL BEFORE ME

When Jerome Boger joined the NFL in 2004, he was fortunate enough to choose his number — initially picking number 109 from a batch of unassigned numbers. But another number caught his eye — 23.

That’s because it previously belonged to Johnny Grier, the NFL’s first Black referee. Boger and Grier developed a bond and Boger shared a wish with Grier.

“JG, when you retire, I want you to tell me so I can tell the office I’d like your number,” Boger said he told Grier in 2004.

Two years later, that wish came true when Boger wore number 23 beginning with the 2006 season. “He’s always been special to me,” Boger said of Grier.

“When there is a request, we would certainly honor a request where we could,” Blandino said of his tenure. That was not the case under all NFL officiating leaders, however, as others merely assigned numbers.

Blandino said the process is a bit “random.”

Boger said he continues to enjoy his number as a tribute to Grier but said the number carries added meaning when talking with players.

He said he’ll seek out players on the field wearing the same number as his during the pregame and share a moment, usually saying, “I’ve worn this number for 15 years. Hopefully, you can do the same.”

That conversation, Boger said, is another avenue to have a human conversation with players before everything gets crazy.

Boger’s son, Tra, was hired into the NFL for the 2022 season and wears number 2. Jerome and Tra become the first father-son duo to work in the NFL at the same time since Steve and Brad Freeman were onfield officials through the 2019 season. Steve Freeman opted out of the 2020 season and subsequently retired.

OFF LIMITS

While no numbers have officially been retired by the NFL, some administrators have given certain numbers a “cooling-off period” after a retirement or transition.

When Al Riveron joined the league office after the 2012 season, Blandino said the league would not assign his former number 57 unless Riveron felt there was an official deserving. Since Riveron’s departure from the field, number 57 had not been worn until the 2020 season, when it was assigned to field judge Joe Blubaugh.

That has not always been the case as referees like Jerry Markbreit and Jim Tunney, working a combined seven Super Bowls, did not see their numbers — 9 and 32 respectively — put on hold.

For the longest time, numbers 1 and 13 were kept on the shelf. Under Blandino, then-incoming field judge and now referee Scott Novak was assigned number 1 and incoming down judge Patrick Turner was assigned number 13.

“My birthday is 13,” Blandino said of his birthdate. “It hasn’t been unlucky for me.”
Sixty-nine, however, remains off limits allegedly due to its sexual connotations.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

A number of family members have been selected to officiate in the NFL — some concurrently and others years apart. Some family members have had the opportunity to honor their family history in the NFL by wearing a number “in the family.”

Walt Coleman spent his entire career as number 65. When Walt IV joined the league in 2015, he wore number 87. But following Walt’s retirement after the 2018 season, Walt IV was able to change to number 65, which continued a family tradition dating back to 1989 — the longest such streak in NFL history.

The Baynes family has a similar legacy, but not continuous. Former side judge and line judge Ron Baynes wore number 56 throughout his career. When Baynes’ career came to a close after the 2000 season, number 56 sat vacant until 2008. That’s when Allen Baynes, Ron’s son, joined the NFL and number 56 became a perfect fit.

But when Rusty Baynes, Ron’s other son joined the league in 2010 as a line judge, he was out of luck, since Allen already captured the “family number.” Rusty secured a nearby number, 59.

Jim Quirk Sr. spent more than 20 years in the NFL as a line judge and umpire wearing number 5. But in the 2009 season, with Quirk no longer in the league, John McGrath switched from number 120 to 5.

That led to an interesting conversation when Jim Quirk Jr. was hired into the league. Initially, Quirk Jr. wore number 63, but toward the end of McGrath’s career. McGrath said to Quirk Jr., “When I retire, you should take this number back.”

And that’s exactly what happened. Quirk Jr. has worn number 5 since the beginning of the 2017 season, when McGrath left the field.

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Although it sounds harsh, it might be one of the most important pieces of advice an aspiring umpire can hear. If your aim is to improve your game, the best way to do it is to seek feedback from those who are able to help you.

Good umpires who want to improve and advance can benefit from the collective umpiring wisdom that has developed over the years. We spend our hard-earned money going to clinics to improve our craft with the hope of being seen by assigners in whose conferences we aspire to work.  Shouldn’t we go into the experience with the right attitude?

My career in umpiring has been laden with incredible opportunities to work with others whose experience was beyond my own, and I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time when I got my first shot at NCAA Division I baseball umpiring. A few of those experienced umpires had spent numerous years in professional baseball at the Triple-A minor league level and had a great deal of experience working in crews of three, whereas I had only a few years of experience at the high school level working crews of two. It was the ultimate opportunity to pick the brains of people who knew what I wanted to know and who possessed the skills that I wanted to possess.

In retrospect, while my umpiring accomplishments haven’t quite reached the level of my mentors, I took advantage of the opportunities they gave me and learned from them all that I could.

The key to that learning was listening. I know firsthand that not every umpire in that situation does listen. Some umpires have risen to a certain level of competence based on natural talent and ability without using proper techniques and mechanics. When confronted with opportunities to learn those techniques and mechanics, such as ways of manifesting their body language or positioning themselves to make the best judgments possible, a number of “good” umpires prevent themselves from becoming “great” by opposing methods to which they are unaccustomed.

Now that I am in a role where I can share what I have learned with the next generation of young umpires, I frequently find myself in the position of mentor. That has given me an interesting perspective. I now feel like I am looking at my former self when I work with less-experienced umpires who are trying to advance. What I wish for them is to benefit the same way I did. What that requires, however, is a mind-set that sets the ego aside and opens oneself up to vulnerability. It is human nature to resist criticism, even when given constructively in a setting where both the giver and receiver are voluntary participants. Yet nothing stifles my willingness to share more than excuse-making. “Yeah, but …” is not what a senior umpire wants to hear from a young umpire who is ostensibly in need of, and actively looking for, advice.

When I am working with less-experienced umpires, I almost never give unsolicited critiques. The exception is if a critical situation arose during a just completed game where additional games are to come with that same partner. In that situation, I would address the issue to ensure it was not repeated in subsequent games in that series. 

In any event, an umpire who wishes to continuously improve should seek critiques from his more- experienced partners. Any request to evaluate your work shows respect to the more senior member of your crew and is likely to be well received. You can always decide later if the advice you get is worth taking.

No one person invented good umpiring mechanics or techniques. They have been developed over many years of trial and error, discussion and debate, and a willingness to pass on best practices to new generations who can attempt to improve on them. But none of that knowledge can be passed on unless the next generation of umpires is willing to listen.

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The Pregame Conference

First impressions are everything. The coach/referee conference is an opportunity to demonstrate confidence, organization and professionalism. It’s shocking to hear that some officials choose to skip this meeting altogether, and some coaches report having to initiate it themselves. If possible, it’s best to call both coaches together for a common conference, putting everything out in the open and ensuring that they receive the same message.

Coaches may have different “wish lists” for the conversation before the game, but certain standards are a must at every level. All coaches want to see a crew that is organized and professional. They understand that referees are human and that mistakes may happen. At the high school level and below, most coaches are also able to accept that referees have varied levels of training and experience. What coaches cannot abide is evidence that a referee may have preconceived notions about a game before it begins.

Coach Logan Minshew of Fredericksburg (Texas) High School remembers a playoff game where a referee disclosed that he “normally (called) boys’ games.” This referee may have been used to calling for boys instead of girls, but the perception of the coach in that moment was that the referee was disinterested in the game that he was about to call. “I understand that it’s a completely different game,” Minshew said, “but I would never go to my team and say, ‘I normally coach boys, but I got assigned girls.’”

As an official, be careful not to say anything before the game that may be viewed as bias. John Brockway, head coach at Taylor (Texas) High School, put it this way: “The referee telling me that he knows something about the other team, or that he knows something about my team before the game, really turns me off.” Though you may have done your research in preparation for the game, it’s not advisable to discuss your viewpoint with the coaches. Coaches want objectivity from referees.

Coach Cory Maxwell of Marble Falls (Texas) High School also stressed the importance of addressing all procedural issues before the game begins. “Are your kids equipped? Where’s your administrator? Do we have an ambulance? Do we have water? Do we have the national anthem? Do we have roster announcements?” These are questions that Maxwell is impressed to hear from a referee before the game. “It’s the guys who lay it all out before the game starts … (that) make you feel more comfortable,” he said.

Building Relationships

Introducing the crew to both coaches shows that the center referee is the leader and mentor of a well-organized group. Most coaches will respect a leadership mentality, being leaders themselves, and they want to see cooperation and respect from all three referees.

When asked about the No. 1 factor that creates respect for a center referee, Coach Robert Lopez of Lonestar Soccer Club said, “The first thing is they organize their crew. I see them working and communicating … and they’re helping and educating their crew.” If it’s clear that a positive relationship exists among the members of the referee crew, a coach’s level of respect for that crew is likely to increase. If there is a lack of cooperation or signs of dissent among the referees, it adds fuel to any conflict that may arise during the game.

Brockway speaks about the value of a referee who is willing to build a sense of “kinship” with the coaches. “When a referee asks, ‘How’s your year going?’ or, ‘Is there anything I should know about the team?’ you can tell that he has some knowledge  … and has some kind of soccer background.” Brockway notes that playing experience is an important element that allows coaches and referees “to have more of an understanding throughout the game.”

Coach Freddy Drago of Angelina College further stresses the bonds that develop between a coach and a referee who both have experience as players. The opposite is also true. Drago recalls a pregame conference before a college game where common ground was in the works until he made the comment, “You know, we’ve all played.” At this point, one of the ARs spoke out and said, “No, man, I used to do rodeo.” Admitting lack of playing experience can be an especially destructive comment at higher levels of play. A referee who hasn’t played at the level he’s calling can still have potential, but it’s another reason for doubt from the coach’s perspective, and it’s something that should probably go unsaid.

Don’t cross the lines of familiarity with coaches or players

It’s important not to cross the lines of familiarity with coaches or players. Address coaches by their professional titles, avoid calling players by name and do everything possible to appear objective. Though you may be aware of reputations involved, speaking openly about them only sows the seeds of doubt in a coach’s mind. Even as you remain impartial, the coach’s perceived reality is that the contest may not be called solely according to the Laws of the Game.

The Impact of Emotion

Though it can be tempting to shut down or to fire back when being hounded by a coach, a successful communicator and relationship-builder is willing to pause for a moment to address a coach’s concerns. Don’t ignore a coach who is asking a question. Even if it is as simple as saying, “Coach, I hear you, and I will do my best to watch that,” a referee should acknowledge the coach on the sideline.

Minshew mentioned the importance of being willing to discuss a critical call. “I think there are some times when you have a question about what they saw. I try to be as professional as I can, but I need to be able to address that information with my players.” Referees should realize that coach comments are not always personal challenges or dissent. Some coaches are just trying to collect information for their own game-management purposes.

Remember that it’s not about you, it’s about the teams. Show empathy for the players. An awarded penalty, a red card or a close offside decision can have an enormous impact on a game. Always strive to keep the game in check without drawing attention to yourself. Think about de-escalation so that you become a calming influence on the field. There’s never a reason to threaten cards or to tell coaches how to do their jobs. There’s never cause to point a finger or to place blame. Take on the role of the peacekeeper and see how it will improve the experience for all parties.

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1. Eyes

Almost everyone would likely name the eyes as the body part most important to officiating. A college official who had received good ratings was phased out when it became public knowledge that he had a glass eye. The eyes detect light and convert it into electro-chemical impulses in neurons. Visual acuity is the ability to distinguish fine detail and that’s exactly what’s needed to determine if a restriction has occurred when two linemen are engaged.

Most fouls cannot be called properly unless the whole act is observed. Perhaps the best examples are illegal blocks. To call a block below the waist, the official must see the initial contact. If he doesn’t, the official may not know if the blocker started with legal contact and then slid on the opponent’s body. If the official doesn’t see the initial contact on a potential block in the back, he may not know if the opponent turned on the blocker.

2. Ears

Hearing the sounds of the game is useful, if not essential. There is some benefit to not being able to hear what comes out of the team box, but overall a deaf official would be at a disadvantage. The umpire must know if the defense is interfering with the snap count. Perhaps the most important use of auditory perception is dead-ball officiating.

If opponents linger, officials should move in promptly to address it. When you can’t get to two players who have squared off before they part, go to the guy who is most upset and ask him the nature of the problem. He’ll usually complain of being punched or sworn at. Tell him you’ll take a closer look. If he started it, he knows he’ll be watched. If he didn’t, the foul can usually be spotted the next time. The fact an official is asking for details seems to make all the players aware the officials are tuned in to what’s going on and monitoring it closely.

3. Mouth

The mouth is used for communication, especially with crewmates, and that is an essential part of officiating. However, improper use of the vocal cords has besmirched many an official. “Speak when you are angry, and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” Those words are commonly attributed to author Laurence J. Peter, known for The Peter Principle. Coaches can get away with it; officials cannot.

The regretful words can be uttered either during or after the game. As a general rule, the less you say to players, the better off you’ll be. However, some communication is not only necessary but desirable. Building rapport with the participants is part of good officiating. Under no circumstances, though, should officials fraternize, criticize, coach or threaten.

Last season, a local official was admonished because he tried to caution a player by saying, “Don’t be a dumbass.” The player mentioned it to his father, who was an assistant coach and then his mother got in on it and soon there was a controversy.

Some officials have found success appealing to a player’s ego. “You’re too good of a player to act like that” can result in a player calming down.

4. Arms

Like the mouth, the arms are used for communicating. Signals must be clear and be concise. Rushing or dawdling with signals is not very effective. By rushing, you communicate poorly; by dawdling, you keep the game from moving. A common error in signaling is excessive repetitions. In most cases, once is enough and two are acceptable. Recently, a crew from a smaller association received a very poor rating on a playoff game. Upon further review, the crew actually had called a decent game, properly getting forward progress. Apparently, what had turned off the observer was the hunched-over signaling on incomplete passes by the wing officials. Instead of signaling decisively while standing erect, they signaled while moving and waving their arms like ape men.

Some calls need to be sold. Close calls need a little extra emphasis to communicate to everyone clearly. But selling a call is like raising your voice — sometimes it is necessary and effective, but do it too often and people get angry or turned off. Sell a call only when necessary. You don’t want to appear that you’re caught up in the emotion of the game.

In one instance, a runner was ruled down when the ball became loose and was recovered by the defense. In the ensuing confusion, the chains moved and didn’t get back to the correct position and that went unnoticed by the head linesman. The video revealed the head linesman merely signaled the number of the next down while the back judge nonchalantly pointed at the spot where the runner was down. If the call had been properly sold (the video also revealed it was indeed a fumble), the chains likely would not have moved.

5. Legs

To get the call right, an official must get to the proper position. That is what mechanics manuals are all about. In most cases, angle is much more important than distance. That usually requires movement. That includes the back judge on running plays moving as his buffer begins to dissolve to restore his separation while keeping a watchful eye on the runner and the nearest potential tackler, and the referee keeping pace with a quarterback who rolls away and covering the near sideline when the quarterback approaches it.

Beware of overusing your legs, the so-called “false hustle.” That refers to energetic movement during liveball coverage that serves no purpose other than to demonstrate the official can move rapidly. The real problem with false hustle is no officiating is accomplished while the official is showing everyone how fast he can run. When the runner breaks open for a long run, wing officials should focus on the blocking to see if any defender is illegally restrained from catching the runner. Blindly racing to a goalline that will be covered by the back judge may look good but serves no officiating purpose.

6. Brain

The five senses — sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch — are part of the nervous system and collect information about our environment that is interpreted by the brain (the latter three senses are of minimal value to officiating). We utilize that information based on previous experience, subsequent learning and by the combination of the information from each of the senses. Each sense provides different information which is combined and interpreted by our brain. Here is an example.

A player tackles a receiver in a straight line away from the covering official. It appears the tackler first makes contact with his shoulder, but the crack of helmets crashing is clearly heard. The sound should spur the official to reconsider what he saw. If he determines the position of the tackler’s head was consistent with a targeting foul, the flag should be thrown even if helmet contact was not observed.

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It starts when you first enter the court with your partner, as a team. Like it or not, you are being sized up by everyone in the gym, whether you’re a new face or a veteran. The players, coaches, event management and the spectators — they’re all watching. They’re looking at your uniform. Be sharp! They’re watching you go through your routine — measuring the net, checking game ball pressure, assessing the court’s overhead obstructions and obstacles on the floor. They’re trying to figure out what kind of game you’re going to call. And right now, all they have to go on is your appearance and your prematch routine.

Strive to be “quietly efficient.” Establish good habits and stick to them. Go about your routine without drawing undue attention. The teams are probably stretching when you first arrive courtside. Use that time to check the net and adjust the antennas — it’s less intrusive than interrupting teams once they begin warmups at the net. If you’re the first referee, get on the stand to make sure it’s stable and elevates you high enough above the net. If not, ask host management to adjust it for you. Check the padding of the net equipment and make sure exposed cables or tensioning devices are covered as needed.

Showing attention to detail during those first moments on the court will help to establish your competency, knowledge and trustworthiness with those who are watching you.

Next, observe the area around the court to determine the ground rules and make sure the two of you agree with the rulings. If one of you is familiar with the venue, share information about ground rules that were used in the past. Tackling that duty together helps establish you and your partner as a team and builds confidence with those watching you.

Now it’s time to check the game ball pressure and ensure the scoring materials are in order. Consider asking that a spare game ball be kept courtside, and check its pressure too. Introduce yourself with a handshake to the scoring crew. Likewise, seek out your line judges and let them know when you’ll be meeting for prematch instructions. Those professional gestures set a good tone, again establishing the crew as a team.

If you didn’t inquire when you arrived, now is the time to make sure you have any match details from the host management — Senior Night, Parents’ Night, special presentations, etc. You’ll want that information for the upcoming captains’ meeting.

At that point, you’ve had the opportunity to establish your presence on the court. People have noticed your teamwork and professionalism. You’ve started on the right foot. Now it’s time to talk the talk at the captains’ meeting.

Here’s your second chance to make a good first impression — the face-to-face meeting and interaction with team leaders. Speak clearly and loudly since there’s often warmup music playing in the background. Be courteous and approachable. Don’t be afraid to smile. Again, have an established routine.  Know what you need to cover and the order in which you need to cover it; the order may vary from referee to referee.

Always start with a firm handshake and introduce yourself and allow your partner to do the same. Highlight the playing area, noting any floor or ceiling obstructions. Remind the teams about legal equipment or uniforms, and offer to check questionable items. If it’s early in the season, inform the teams about new protocols or procedures, and ask if they have questions about rule changes. Notify the teams of any prematch presentations or announcements. Ask if there are any questions. Now toss the coin. Wish both teams good luck and return to the scorer with the serve/receive information.

As the season progresses, your prematch captains’ meeting should become shorter. The teams have heard it a dozen times before. Share match-specific details, which can change from night to night, but be a little more general with the routine details, such as court markings. Instead of highlighting every detail of the court, consider asking, “Do you have any questions about the court or playing area?” Keep the meeting short and sweet.

You have two opportunities to make a good first impression before every match — during your prematch routine while you tend to your responsibilities and during the prematch conference with the captains and/or coaches. You don’t often get a second chance to make a good first impression, so you should take advantage of that opportunity and use your prematch time wisely.

The post You Have Two Shots to Look Good appeared first on Referee.com.

We also know the best crews are the ones that realize their work isn’t done when the final horn sounds and they walk off the floor. Postgame de-briefings are extremely important, as they allow us to reflect on what just happened, discuss any noteworthy plays or rulings, and glean insights that can help us become better officials moving forward.

However, I would posit that on a night-in, night-out basis, the one necessary period of banter that we sometimes short-change, and the one we absolutely shouldn’t given the possible implications of doing so, is the halftime discussion between the crew.

Think about it. A pregame addresses what we expect to happen. A postgame addresses what already happened. A halftime discussion addresses what is happening.

It’s an opportunity to share realtime information and combine the best of both worlds of a pregame and a postgame. We now have one half’s worth of relevant information to draw upon for our next 16 minutes (NFHS) or 20 minutes (NCAA) of work. We aren’t discussing plays and situations and thinking about how to better officiate them two days from now when we next step back out on the floor. We should be using that knowledge to become better officials in the next 10 minutes.

Often I have worked on crews that view halftime as nothing more than break time. Use the toilet, drink some Gatorade, get off one’s feet for a couple minutes in the changing room and then back at it. Officiating crews that use halftime in that manner are wasting a valuable opportunity to prepare for the second half. And as most of us have said at one point or another in our officiating careers, anyone can officiate a first half. The second half is when we earn our paychecks.

So what should you be doing at halftime, in addition to the aforementioned personal business?

Discuss the first half

Just as both teams are in their respective locker rooms discussing what worked and what didn’t from their perspectives before halftime, the officiating crew should be doing the same thing. How is crew communication? How is the crew’s consistency? Is every member of the crew calling the same game? Are you comfortable with the game you have been calling? Are there any plays or rulings that need immediate attention?

Share what you know

With one half in the books, your Spidey sense should be tingling about bits of information to share with your partners. Have you identified the “game wreckers” for each team? Has there been some type of discussion or interaction that makes you aware that a particular coach is going to be problematic going forward? Have you had to issue a subtle warning to players in the low post about clearing the lane or too much off-ball contact? Share those observations with your partners so that no one is caught by surprise in the second half and the entire crew can fine-tune its collective radar.

Talk about adjustments

Good teams are those that can take what just transpired, learn from it and make immediate adjustments in the second half. This is true for the coaches and players, and it’s likewise true for the officials. Is one team shooting a lot of threepointers, necessitating the need for the perimeter officials to do a better job of locking in on airborne shooters? Is one team playing a fullcourt, trapping defense that will require a more engaged “C” official in the backcourt? Does the crew need to rotate more or less? Use what happened in the first half to put your crew in the best position to succeed in the second half.

Call the same game

While second-half adjustments are important, second-half overhauls are a recipe for disaster. Officials hear all the time that all coaches and players really want is consistency. They now have a full half’s worth of information about how your crew is working the contest. Now is not the time to completely change course on them. If your crew came out with a tight whistle in the first half, it should be the same after the break. Adjusting means putting yourself in the best position to work the game, not making drastic philosophical shifts in how often you put air in the whistle. Call the same game and make the players adjust — it should not be the other way around.

The dreaded “O” word

The reality is, you will be working free basketball at some point in your officiating career. The basketball gods will make sure of it. And when that happens, you need to be prepared to do so in proper fashion. Halftime is when your crew needs to have the discussion about how to proceed if the game goes into overtime. This isn’t hockey. You don’t get a second intermission. Instead, the final horn sounds, everyone re-calibrates after the exuberance of a hard-fought game that remains tied, and now you must elevate your game for the most crucial four or five minutes of the contest. Use halftime to discuss the key OT parameters. How long is it? Do the timeouts carry over? How many stoppages are now allowed? How is the bonus rule administered? And, should the unfortunate arise, how are technical fouls handled if they occur between the final buzzer and the start of overtime play?

If halftime sounds like a busy 10 minutes, that’s because it is. Sure, enjoy the physical break and nourishment that will allow you to be at your best for the second half. But remember mentally, your work is just beginning. Take one minute to collect your thoughts, re-engage and show your partners there is a very good reason why they want to share the floor with you during the second half.

Scott Tittrington is an associate editor at Referee. He officiates high school and college basketball, umpires high school and college baseball, and officiates high school football.

The post Don’t Sell Your Halftime Short  appeared first on Referee.com.

Kickoffs.

The problem starts with the first play of the game. Since the first game was played in 1869, no one has ever reported a ball exploding in mid-air. There is no value in intensely watching the entire flight of the ball — nothing will happen in the air. It is beneficial for all officials to always know the approximate location of the ball and what is being done with it, but that can be accomplished with peripheral vision and without a direct and prolonged stare.

When the ball is kicked, all officials should know how it was kicked and the general direction it is taking. After that there are specific players to key on. There are a variety of ways to divide responsibilities both for while the ball is in the air and during the runback. The important thing is to have such a plan; it cannot be left to chance.

The first phase should be to watch as many of the initial blocks as possible in a specified area. What follows will vary depending on how the play develops. The number-one priority is ascertaining who has responsibility for getting the forward progress spot. An oft neglected aspect of kickoff coverage is supervising the untangling of players around the ball after the tackle. That is normally done by the umpire, but he may not be able to get to the dead-ball spot in time. On shorter returns, the referee may be the closest to the pile.

Pass plays.

One of the few similarities between pass plays and kickoffs is that the ball is in the air; it just doesn’t get airborne as quickly or as high as during a kick play. At the snap, the wing officials should watch their tackle to see if his block indicates a pass or a run. Pass blocking usually entails a one- or two-step drop. At that time, the official should shift his focus to his key.

A common mistake made by wing officials is watching the quarterback in the pocket to determine when and if he is going to throw the ball. While the official doesn’t have to be at the same yardline as the deepest receiver on his side of the field, he needs to be reasonably close, perhaps within 10-15 yards. The farther away the covering official is from the play, the more likely he will be straight-lined or his view otherwise blocked. On longer passes, if the official waits for the ball to be thrown before releasing downfield, he will not be able to get to the desired proximity.

Some officials on the sideline relax when all the receivers flow to the opposite side of the field. However if a receiver has to come back toward the passer to catch the ball and is contacted after catching it, the progress spot should be marked by the opposite wing while the near wing focuses on completion of the catch and any personal foul during the tackle.

Referees need to train themselves to keep their eyes on the quarterback until he is no longer in danger. Watching the flight of the pass will not reveal any useful officiating information. Even when the ball is thrown into an area where there are no eligible team A receivers, there are crewmates downfield who can provide that information. The ball’s destination is not immediately the referee’s concern. His part of the intentional grounding determination is to decide if the throw is made under duress. Without a pressured throw, there cannot be a foul for grounding the ball. It could be an egregious error if the referee is watching the ball in mid-air while the passer is being roughed by the defense.

Running plays.

On runs to the opposite side, a wing official should focus on cleaning up behind the play, especially on any action against the quarterback after the handoff. Attempting to watch the ball on those plays is doubly futile. Not only does the ball not need any particular attention from the opposite side, but the view of the ball will almost certainly be blocked by the runner’s body, if not other players.

On runs to the near side, the wing official should focus on blocks in front of the runner — the point of attack. To do that the official must look beyond the path of the runner into the line. Conspicuous acts such as a takedown (tackle) or arm encirclement accompanied by forceful impetus or the prolonged grabbing of a jersey or an arm, are relatively easy to spot. Other forms of restriction such as taking out an opponent’s feet, spinning or turning him around or causing him to fall in an unnatural direction are more difficult to discern and generally cannot be detected with peripheral vision while watching the ball.

Punts.

Although the ball is in the air for a substantial amount of time during a punt, most officials are disciplined enough to not watch the ball. Perhaps it’s the realization that a crew of five is extremely short-handed when covering a punt. Umpires who try to watch the ball are inadvertent targets for linemen who abruptly turn to run downfield.

The referee has good reason to watch the ball if it heads toward a sideline, but his primary responsibility is observing the kicker. Punted balls that go out of bounds in flight must be lined up by the referee in conjunction with the wing official or back judge. However, the referee cannot watch the flight of the ball at the expense of missing contact on the kicker.

The post Eyes Off the Ball appeared first on Referee.com.

The play I speak of? A back-row setter attempting to save a ball that is near, or maybe in, the plane of the net.

You are going to have one of four outcomes: illegal back-row attack, illegal back-row block, prolonged contact or play on. These plays can be very difficult for a variety of reasons but plays happening at the net and on top of the net are the ones we really need to get right. These are the decisions that need to be made quickly and decisively … the ones that put our skill on display and in general, put coaches’ minds at ease. Of course, we know that at certain times we will be getting an earful from one side or the other depending on who we whistle for the fault.

In many cases you may be told, “Expect the unexpected.” However, I would like to make a slight edit to that saying: “Expect the expected and be prepared for the unexpected.” This mantra may help us more when these plays occur during a match. Let’s look at two situations, possible outcomes and factors that may affect our decision.

Situation 1:

The ball is above the height of the net and it is clearly on the attacker’s side of the net. The back-row setter is in the action of setting the ball to a teammate. The attacker puts the ball over the net and an opposing player makes a play on the ball. Play continues. This is the expected.

The ball is above the height of the net and it is clearly on the attacker’s side of the net. The back-row setter sets the ball to one of her teammates. The attacker swings and gets a kill. Point awarded to the attacking team. This is the expected.

The ball is above the height of the net and it is clearly on the attacker’s side of the net. The back-row setter attempts to set the ball to a teammate. The ball drifts into the plane of the net and a blocker touches it before her attacking teammate . Point awarded to the blocking team and back-row attack is whistled. This is a possibility — be ready!

Questions to ask:

Was the ball clearly above the height of the net to make this a back-row attack? Did the ball enter, or completely cross, the plane of the net? Did the blocker touch the ball before the attacker? If the ball did not reach the plane of the net, and the blocker touched it, was there a player on the attacking team nearby and making an attempt to play the ball?

The ball is above the height of the net and it is clearly on the attacker’s side of the net. The back-row setter is in the action of setting the ball to a teammate. A blocker reaches over and blocks the ball as, or after, it is set. Point awarded to the attacking team and reaching over the net is whistled. This is the unexpected — why would she do that?

Questions to ask:

Was the ball clearly on the setter’s side of the net to make reaching over the correct call? Was the setter directing the ball to a teammate or toward the opponent’s side of the court? Did the blocker definitely make contact with the ball? Was the blocker’s contact a block or an attack?

Referee reflection time:

Did you see the contact by the blocker? How did you and your partner communicate? Did you shift your focus to the attacker too quickly? Was your whistle weak because you had no air, as you didn’t expect the blocker to reach beyond the net? Did you appear confident in your decision?

Situation 2:

The ball is passed and enters the plane of the net. As the back-row setter sets the ball to a teammate, there are no blockers making an attempt to block the ball. The attacker hits the ball into the opponent’s court where it is kept alive by the opposing team. Play continues. This is the expected.

The ball is passed and enters the plane of the net. As the back-row setter sets the ball to a teammate, there are no blockers making an attempt to block the ball. The attacker hits the ball to the floor of the opponent’s court. Point awarded to the attacking team. This is the expected.

The ball is passed and enters the plane of the net. As the back-row setter is contacting the ball, a blocker simultaneously makes contact with the ball. Point awarded to the blocking team and back-row block is whistled. This is a possibility — be ready!

Questions to ask:

Had the ball definitely broken the plane of the net? Who actually made first contact with the ball? Was the setter definitely reaching higher than the top of the net when contact was made with the ball?

The ball is passed and enters the plane of the net. The setter contacts the ball first, followed by a contact by the blocker. Point awarded to the blocking team and back-row attack is whistled. This is a possibility — be ready!

Questions to ask:

Had the ball definitely broken the plane of the net? Who actually made first contact with the ball? Was the ball completely above the height of the net when the setter made contact with the ball?

The ball is passed and enters the plane of the net. As the back-row setter contacts the ball and blockers are attempting to block, the contact is not made cleanly (whether it be under- or over-controlled). Point awarded to the blocking team and a double contact or caught/thrown ball is whistled. This is the unexpected — her hands have been so good all night!

Questions to ask:

Did the blockers contact the ball before, during or after the set? Who made the next contact — the attacker or a blocker? Where was the ball when it was contacted next? Did the setter make a double contact? Did the setter have prolonged contact with the ball, leading to a caught/ thrown fault?

Referee reflection time:

Did you observe that no blockers touched the ball? How did you and your partner communicate? Were you over-focused on whistling back-row attack or back-row block? Did you have a late whistle, but made the correct ballhandling call? Did you miss the call because you were not focused in the correct spot (on the setter’s hands)?

These situations do not cover every possibility, but give an overview of two common occurrences with possible outcomes. When net play is about to happen, or is happening, where are you focused? How do you prepare for what’s about to happen (or not)? How do you communicate with your partner during tight plays at and above the net? How accurate are you with your decisions in these situations?

As match facilitators, there is one non-negotiable … we must have knowledge of the rules! For example, if a back-row attack is whistled, it is because certain criteria are met: 1) a back-row player played the ball within the front zone; 2) the ball was completely above the height of the net; and 3) the ball completely crossed the net or was legally blocked by the opponent.

Knowledge of the rules applies to both situations and all possible outcomes listed. On top of that, we must be able to communicate clearly and succinctly why we whistled a fault or not.   Therefore, it is vital to read the rulebook, reflect on your performance with trusted peers, observe high-level referees work matches, and improve how and what we communicate to captains and coaches. Additionally, stay active and get as much court time as possible in order to gain experiences to better deal with similar future situations. We may not succeed the first time, but there is no excuse for not improving the next time(s) it occurs!

Here is a takeaway. There are four Rs that can help us improve in our performance and get these calls correct more often:

Read — rules knowledge from reading the rulebook.

Repetition — the more matches you do, the more you will see these types of plays.

Reflection — be honest in your self-assessment and talk to other referees.

Readiness — be prepared, be confident, be focused in the right spot at the right time.

Bill Thornburgh, Simpsonville, Ky., is a National USAV and PAVO referee, as well as a FIVB International referee. He works in the Big Ten, ACC, SEC and other D-I conferences in the Midwest. *

The post Techniques to Judge a Potential Save Over the Net   appeared first on Referee.com.

The rationale for this position, as explained in the various softball organizations’ umpire manuals, is to enable the plate umpire to see the entire plate and the ball as it moves from the pitcher’s hand to the catcher’s glove and to be able to accurately judge whether the ball passed through or out of the strike zone. As the USA Softball umpire manual notes, “Being in the correct slot and set position on both sides of the plate gives you an unobstructed view of the strike zone on every pitch from the same angle.”

But as any umpire knows from game experience, being able to see the plate and strike zone from the slot can become more complicated by the positioning of the catcher and/ or the batter. Sometimes the physical size of the catcher and batter can make it more difficult to achieve an unobstructed view from the slot position. Or perhaps it is a catcher who throws left-handed and lines up differently than a right-hander. If the catcher has a tendency to raise from her crouch as she receives the pitch, she can interfere with the umpire’s view at the last instant.

When these situations come into play, the umpire often must make adjustments to maintain an unobstructed view of the strike zone. Several longtime umpires have each offered insight about how to ensure ball-strike calls remain consistent regardless of what the batter or catcher does.

“You can’t call what you can’t see,” said Steve DiFuria of Ardmore, Pa., who has works in NCAA Divisions II and III along with high school competition. “If the catcher blocks me from seeing an inside pitch, it’s a ball. If you have to, you explain it (the catcher’s movement) to the coach. ‘If you want that inside pitch (to be called a strike), tell the catcher not to slide over too much.’ “You have to push yourself to see all four corners of the plate. … Working the plate is about being consistent and confident. If you call a pitch one way in the first inning, you’ve got to call it that way the whole game.”

For Mike Girouard of Yorba Linda, Calif., a key aspect of any adjustment an umpire makes in the slot position is being able to keep the strike zone in perspective. He points out the importance of positioning your head at the top of the strike zone in relation to the batter when going to the set position in the slot.

“When everyone (batter and catcher) is squeezing the slot, the only thing you can do is look over the catcher to see the delivery of the pitch,” said Girouard, a 20-year veteran umpire who oversees training for the 130-member Orange County (Calif.) High School Unit umpire organization and also is on the instructional staff for USA Softball of Southern California.

“You must remember you have now raised your view of the strike zone, to keep you from calling one out of the zone. … You can’t let a stance (by the batter or catcher) change what you have to do,” Girouard said. “We need to set up the same way, so it doesn’t change your perspective of the zone now as the batter and catcher move forward or backward. I adjust with them.”

The discipline to maintain focus while making adjustments in the slot position is equally important, as noted by Jim Stewart of Burlington, N.J. One of his techniques is to reinforce in his mind whether a pitch is a strike or ball before making his verbal call. The slight delay helps him with call accuracy.

“You want to call every single pitch the same way, no matter what,” said Stewart, who has 20 some years of experience, including many years in NCAA Division I. “I’m in the same (slot) position each time. I face the plate at a slight angle and am absolutely set before the ball is released and stay set until it hits the (catcher’s) glove.

“I can’t dictate if the batter moves or the catcher flinches. If I have to adjust, I’ll move just above the catcher’s helmet. I move up so I can see the ball drop over the plate. … The only thing I care about is (that) one pitch.”

When in the slot position, the plate umpire also must be aware of the catcher’s positioning and the possibility of a pickoff throw to first base or third base. Girouard said he is careful to avoid interfering with the catcher when he sets up in the slot position. When working behind a left-handed throwing catcher, umpires have to be attuned to the differences from the more typical right-handed catcher.

“The catcher’s throwing hand or motion does sometimes change how close to the catcher you are due to their snap pickoffs throws,” said Girouard, who has worked the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, an ASA National Championship, the California State Junior College Championship and has 20 years of NCAA experience. “We need to observe that and with runners on base adjust our depth with the catcher to not interfere with the throw.”

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Game Personality Awareness

We know that individual games have their own personalities. There are conference rivalries, non-conference rivalries, blowout games, games where every possession matters, games that are very chippy, etc. Going into the game, it is helpful to have a sense of what personality the game may take beforehand. If not, you have to identify the game’s personality right away.

For example, Xavier and Cincinnati is an intense rivalry. The crosstown teams know each other, given the universities are within a few miles of each other. Often in these types of match-ups, the game will have started before it actually starts — social media can be used beforehand to stew emotions. In these games, officials need to be aware of dead-ball situations and  an increased likelihood for unsporting behavior.

Conversely, you may be involved in game that is going really well with everyone behaving very sportingly. Then out of the blue someone gets a little excitable on the bench. In those cases it may not be beneficial to immediately issue a technical foul.

In either situation, officials need to know the personality of the game and be aware of the context of the game so they understand when something is out of character for the game. Lacking an understanding of the context of a game and adding fuel to a fire with a technical foul will not help the game. It wakes everyone up and can make the game more challenging for the crew.

Substitution Awareness

As the game goes on, dig deeper to figure out why a substitute is coming in the game. Some reasons a substitute may be coming into the game include: to shoot threes, block shots, play defense, disrupt, give or take a foul, playing time, etc.

Every time a substitution occurs, ask yourself why. Sometimes it may be that the player is in foul trouble. Or it may be the team’s normal substitution pattern for that player to get a rest.

However, be aware of abnormal situations. When a starter leaves the game three minutes into the first quarter (or half) with no fouls, a red flag should go up in your mind.

Throughout the game, be aware of the normal substitution patterns of the teams. Awareness of patterns can allow a better understanding of what may be required of you and your coverage. Know each team’s first player off the bench. Who is the team’s spark plug? Who is the team’s post presence?

Some substitutions to look for:

• First substitute into the game.
• Player goes out for foul trouble.
• Impact substitutions.
• First substitute of second half.
• Post player gets substituted with no foul trouble.

The team’s stats help to provide likely scenarios for who and what those players may be. Past experience with a team can also be helpful. In a pregame, discuss who has had the teams before and what they picked up from that previous experience. Who is the key scorer, the key defender, the key substitute, etc. Additionally, know the makeup of the players’ personalities. Is a certain player going to be someone who has a calm head and can be used as an ally or is a player going to be someone who has a hot head and may need more awareness?

Take a situation where a team quickly gets behind, 14-0, and the coach substitutes all five players. Be aware of the psychological makeup of the entire team following that type of substitution. The team may be upset and become increasingly frustrated. No player enjoys being taken out of a game, especially after falling quickly behind. Further, the coach may take the team’s struggles out on the crew. Those are all important context situations for the crew to be aware of and to aid them in carrying out their duties.

A significant substitution situation that crews must pick up on is when a team substitutes out a post player who is not in foul trouble. The team may be trying to pick up the pace of the game, to start running or to start pressing.

Another possibility is the player is a team’s sixth player who is good enough to start but is used as a spark plug off the bench. That can be picked up when you have had a team before.

Others, like former North Carolina coach Dean Smith, played their entire bench in the first half. Coach Smith was believed to have done that to get meaningful experience out of players and to wear the other team down.

Be sure to monitor the beginning and end of the substitution process. Not having the appropriate number of players on the court after a substitution can rear its ugly head for officials. Each crewmember is wise to count the players before resuming play, whether that is a substitution, timeout, quarter break or halftime intermission.

Further, you must know the substitution rules. When a player is replaced, he or she cannot re-enter until the clock has legally started and time has gone off the clock. In order to correctly officiate, know who was subbing in and who the substitutes are.

There is more to awareness than properly judging fouls and violations.

The post No Substitute for Awareness appeared first on Referee.com.

Professionalism

It should go without saying that our veterans place professionalism at the top of their priority list. They have hundreds of matches under their belts. They’ve worked with dozens and dozens of different partners and encountered hundreds or even thousands of different coaches over the years. They’ve seen great examples of professionalism and some not so great. They know what it means to be professional, and they make that a goal each time they step onto the court. Ethics, integrity, reliability and responsibility are characteristics they possess.

Communication skills

Interpersonal communication skills are a key focal point for veteran referees. It’s a constant work in progress, evaluating body language, eye contact, facial expressions and hand gestures, not to mention verbal skills. Each coach and each partner has different ways of communicating. It’s situational. The words we used with one coach on a given night won’t work in the same way with a different coach, or even the same coach, on a different night. We work with a variety of partners and line judges who have myriad personalities and communication styles. The best communicators can work with anyone and can get the officiating crew to perform at its best. Veteran referees will help create a cohesive officiating team by using their communication skills.

Teamwork

Teamwork goes hand-in- hand with communication skills. The better we work with our partner, the line judges and the scoring crew, the more successful we will be, individually and as a team. Veterans — the leaders on the officiating crew — know that by helping everyone on the crew, the value of the crew’s work increases. They help others to succeed on the officiating team by encouraging them, engaging them and supporting them. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and our top referees help to strengthen each link in the chain.

Signals and mechanics

Veteran referees strive to be sharp and accurate with their signals and mechanics. When a mechanic changes, they’re quick to adapt and implement the new procedure. Those who officiate under multiple rules codes transition between rules codes as seamlessly as possible, following the prescribed techniques for each. They understand the importance of consistency among the officiating cadre when it comes to mechanics, signals and techniques.

Tempo

Maintaining a consistent match tempo is a trait of veteran referees. The cadence and timing of their signal sequence is smooth regardless of the call they’re making. They have a scanning pattern before and after each rally, and the time between rallies seldom varies. As the intensity of the match increases, an experienced referee will stay calm and focused by relying on his or her established tempo. The teams will rely on that tempo as well. Veterans understand momentum and match flow, and they will contribute to the match by maintaining a smooth flow.

Court awareness

A mantra for many veteran referees is “be aware of everything that happens on your court, from warmups until the match is over.” That means they are keenly aware of the playing area and everything that happens on and around the court. Having that awareness allows the referees to react and respond to situations with increased knowledge. Their goal is to always be able to answer the question, “Hey, did you see (insert situation) happen on your court?” Whether it’s a spectator, media personnel, an errant practice ball, a player injury, or a random distraction, a veteran’s goal is to identify the situation quickly and then handle it appropriately. They never want their response to be, “No, I didn’t notice that,” or “I didn’t see that.”

Visual focus

Veteran referees know when, where and how to momentarily take their eyes off the ball to look ahead to the next playing action. They know that certain playing actions may have a particular result, and that allows them to be focused in the right area at the right time to view the play. It requires anticipation and alertness, and they constantly fine-tune their visual focus skills in order to be in the best position to make decisions.

And yes, in addition to all of those things, veteran referees are still working on their ballhandling, overlaps/alignments, back-row awareness, and every other aspect of their game. They aren’t resting on their laurels when it comes to the rules, and they stay abreast of changes in the sport. Players’ skill levels are ever-increasing. Our seasoned referees don’t want to become stagnant or maintain the status quo. They want to excel on the court, and they want to contribute positively to the participants’ experience. They’ve learned how to juggle all of those different facets of the game so that they’re better, even if it’s only just a little bit better, every time they head to the court.

If you’re not already one of our veterans, you will be some day. Until then, learn from the veterans you work with. Watch what they do. Mimic the good things that they do and be ready to step into your role as one of our seasoned veterans.

The post Veteran Approach appeared first on Referee.com.

Players at the high school level don’t always abide by that practice. In effect, they have to learn it, and some of them are reluctant learners. Some high school runners squirm and thrash when they’ve been put on the ground, especially if they’re angry at being dumped for a loss.

A number of problems can be prevented if an official is at the dead-ball site within two or three seconds. Moreover, that official will take charge and use his voice to let the players know he is there. “I’ll take the ball. Use the ground, not a player. One at a time.”

For some reason, it is hard for officials to adopt that practice. Most will be gnawing on their whistles. Only a few will feel compelled to police the pile quickly. That is because coverage in the side zone isn’t as prompt as it could be due to uncertain responsibilities. If the umpire refuses to cross the hashmark and the wing officials decline to move into the field of play, any runner downed in a side zone will rest temporarily without an official covering immediately. Some referees will move to the side zone and retrieve the ball with the wing official poised at a progress spot some distance away, perhaps even remaining on the sideline.

One accepted practice is for the umpire to move into the side zone and get the ball while wing officials hold a spot. The umpire then runs back to place the ball at the hashmark. That practice has the umpire virtually running sideline to sideline while wing officials freeze at progress spots, not picking up the ball.

Here’s a system in five-official mechanics that guarantees nearly instant coverage of downed runners in a side zone from the sidelines to the hash.

After squaring off on a play that gains zero to seven yards, the wing official moves onto the field quickly and secures the ball while at the same time obtaining a progress spot. It’s that simple. The object is to provide rapid coverage. But that’s not all. The referee follows the play, swinging outside into the side zone and stays behind the play preparing to receive the relay. He tosses the ball to the umpire for placement at the hash. The umpire also moves toward the dead ball; if it is within several yards of the sideline, he crosses the hash and observes follow-up action at the dead-ball spot. The back judge also moves toward the play. If the gain on the play is more than seven yards, he’ll expect to be the middle person on the relay back to the hash.

That form of coverage has several purposes, one of which is immediate coverage of dead-ball action combined with an accurate progress spot. A second purpose is that four officials are actively closing in on the play, although three of them will stop before getting there. The third purpose is that all four officials will be in a useful proximity to spot post-play behavior by players. A fourth purpose is to decrease the distance between officials for passes that return the ball to the hash. No official should be making a pass of more than several yards.

The prescribed starting position for the wing officials is off the field. That is a sensible procedure, because it isolates the wings away from initial play action. College and pro officials, however, move in and out regularly, collapsing toward the dead-ball spot on every play — even if slightly — and moving swiftly inward to obtain dead-ball progress on first downs and the goalline. The persistent “accordion” movement on the part of wing and downfield officials on every play is not shown on TV, hence high school officials may not pick up on it. Starting from out of bounds does not mean staying off the field entirely.

Moreover, college and pro referees may start from deep behind the eligible receivers in the backfield, but they are also mobile enough to stay on the heels of flushed quarterbacks and to follow play action into the side zone. Although the camera may not show it, pro referees actually spot the ball for the next play a fair percent of the time.

Most high school crews don’t have the luxury of one or two crewmates to help coverage. That’s why a back judge in a crew of five has to be hustling toward the side zone on plays that end near or across the sideline. The back judge should be responsible for coverage out of bounds off the field whenever possible. An oft-heard expression is, “You can’t be killing grass back there.” In college and pro football, when the ball comes dead in a side zone halfway or past the numbers on the field, the deep officials initiate a ball exchange. Therefore, the wing official doesn’t have to get the ball at once. If he does get it, he merely puts it at his feet for a spot.

A variation in the four-person side zone coverage may be required when a sweep moves away from the referee’s established spot on the quarterback’s throwing arm. In such cases — say a three- or four-yard gain — the umpire can move farther into the side zone. The referee can get the second relay pass and place the ball at the hash.

The combined coverage is an effective way to show hustle and coordination for an officiating crew, but more important it is a solid way to cover all action around the runner and to get the ball back in play promptly.

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Consider a situation in which a line judge has called a ball “out” by team A, but the first referee overrules the line judge and calls the ball “in” or calls a touch against team B. If the scorers happened to see the line judge’s decision, they may assume that team B has won the rally when, in fact, the referees may be awarding the point to team A.

Similarly, a mind change can result in the same situation. For example, the first referee whistles and calls a back-row attack by the team B setter after the setter attacks the ball to the floor on team A’s court. A point is then awarded to team A, which the scorers record. Then the first referee realizes the team B setter was actually a frontrow player and the decision is changed to award the “kill” and a point to team B.

A replay may cause the same type of confusion because the referees may award a point to one team and then realize the decision was incorrect, so they must replay the rally.

In all three cases, it is imperative for the second referee to take an extra moment to ensure the scoring crew is aware of exactly what happened, as shown in the PlayPic. Without that important communication, the scorers may fall behind during the next rally as they try to correct the recording error from the previous rally. And the scoreboard operator can’t be neglected either since the scoreboard may also need to be corrected.

The second referee must be alert when an unusual situation occurs and allow the table crew to make any necessary corrections without being rushed. Correcting a scoresheet error several rallies after the error occurred can result in a more lengthy delay; correcting it when it happens takes only a few extra seconds. And keep in mind that computerized scoring programs may take several steps to undo the previous actions and implement the correction.

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If you think about the number of plays at first base in a game, the chances are actually pretty high that a bad throw or poor footwork will lead to potential obstruction in every game. Some fielders are very adept at moving their feet in order to avoid obstructing, but that is not always the case. So how do umpires judge if obstruction has occurred?
First, let’s take a look at the rules regarding obstruction. All four codes define obstruction in relatively the same fashion. Obstruction occurs when a defensive player, neither in possession of the ball nor in the act of fielding a batted ball, impedes the progress of a runner who is legally running the bases on a live ball (NFHS 2-36, 8-4b; NCAA 9.5; USA Softball 8-5b, R/S 36; USSSA 3 – Obstruction, 8-13). NCAA rules go a little further by stating it is obstruction if a defensive player is blocking the whole base or basepath without the ball and/or the runner does not have a path to the base.

While most first basemen take the throw from the side of the bag facing the infield, or at least on one of the corners of that side, sometimes footwork or a poor throw causes the fielder to move. For example, in the photo above, the first baseman has her left foot on the back corner of the bag instead of the front corner. This causes her entire leg to be blocking the front portion of the base. Because of this positioning, she is susceptible to being called for obstruction.

In NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, just being in that position in and of itself does not constitute obstruction. She still must impede the runner. If the umpire judges the fielder impeded the runner — caused the runner to slow down, change her path or alter her running in any way — obstruction would be ruled. The umpire should give the delayed-dead-ball signal and continue to adjudicate the play. If the runner arrives ahead of the throw, the ball would remain live and play continues. If the runner is put out, the umpire should call time and award the batter-runner first base.

If the fielder catches the ball prior to the runner getting to the base and the umpire rules the fielder did not impede the runner, the batter-runner would be ruled out.
In games using a double first base, umpires must also determine which bag the fielder is blocking and which base the runner is attempting to touch, and if those players have the right to be at those specific bags, which could complicate matters even more. In this particular play, the throw is not offline, so the fielder would not have a right to use the colored portion of the bag and the runner would not have the right to go to the white portion.

In NCAA, if the umpire judges the fielder is blocking the entire base or the entire basepath, obstruction is called, regardless if the runner alters her path. The act of blocking the entire base or basepath in and of itself is obstruction. If the runner is clearly beaten by the throw, the runner would be ruled out. If the runner is not clearly beaten by the throw, such as in the play above, the runner would be awarded first base. The NCAA defines clearly beaten by the throw as “at the time the fielder catches the ball, it could not be reasonably expected for the runner to begin their slide, or the runner is out by such a significant margin that the fielder must wait for the runner to arrive to apply the tag or until they give themself up. It should be a relatively infrequent call. Do not confuse this with a runner being ‘clearly out.’ It’s important to note that ‘clearly beaten by the throw’ ONLY applies to obstruction for blocking the whole base or base path (AR 9-13).”

In situations where the fielder blocks the bag, chances are a collision will occur as the ball and runner arrive at the same time and the fielder is unable to get out of the way (and the runner is unable to avoid contact). In these cases, it is important for umpires to make sure there is nothing malicious in the contact (a raised forearm, a hard shove, etc.). A runner putting her arms up to protect herself is natural and should not be deemed malicious contact.

In these instances, the base umpire has the first responsibility to judge the potential obstruction. However, a plate umpire trailing the runner up the first-base line also can assist with this call as that umpire may have a better look to see if the fielder is blocking the entire base or basepath and also see if the runner deviates. Umpires should work together to get this call right and help clean up plays, and potential collisions, at first base. The game is better, and safer, without them.

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Think about it: There are nine possible players who can be involved in any particular play on defense. There could be anywhere between one and four baserunners. And just for fun, we have the actual baseball often moving at speeds close to 100 mph, whether the result of an incoming pitch, solid contact off the bat or a throw from across the infield or back in from the outfield. Expecting two, four, six or even 12 eyes to be able to see every last detail is basically one impossible ask.

So it’s imperative umpires do nothing during a game that is going to tilt those odds even more in favor of not being able to see something. Because then we are left in the position of having to make a guess — and not even an educated one at that.

Let’s examine a few situations where umpires can get themselves in trouble by taking their eyes away from the action — even if it’s just for a brief moment.

Strike-calling mechanics

There will likely be eternal debate among umpire instructors about which mechanic to use when calling a strike as the plate umpire: the hammer or the point. What typically happens is an umpire decides whichever mechanic simply feels better and looks better for his or her body type.

However, one part of the mechanic that should definitely not be in dispute no matter an umpire’s preference is where the eyes go while it’s happening. While some individual flair is not necessarily a bad thing — especially on a strike-three mechanic — the days of the big sideways step and point popularized by Dutch Rennert or the back-breaking twist more recently employed by Tom Hallion are now always going to be considered a no-no.
The reason? At some point in the mechanic, the eyes move away from the playing action on the field, creating a recipe for disaster.

What if it’s strike three and the catcher fails to cleanly secure the pitch? We need to know how the ball got on the ground. Did he simply drop it? Did the batter interfere via a wayward backswing? And what if that loose ball suddenly gets away from the catcher? Did the batter kick it with his foot? If so, was it done with intent or accidentally?
Another plausible situation: A runner is stealing on the pitch. If we’re looking anywhere but straight ahead, we could easily miss offensive interference by a batter who steps in front of the catcher who is attempting to make a throw. There are few worse feelings than having a coach question why interference was not called on a batter, and you knowing you are unable to provide an honest answer because you didn’t see what actually transpired, courtesy of being too wrapped up in a showy strike-three punch-out mechanic.

Catch/no catch situations

It’s seemingly elemental that knowing whether or not the ball has been caught is a primary job requirement for an umpire. But again, we have a lot of things to keep an eye on, and sometimes the desire to quickly move on to the next facet of play gets us in trouble on this most basic of tasks.

Let’s start with routine fly balls hit into the outfield with runners on base. It’s an understandable tendency that an umpire would like to shift the focus from that proverbial “can of corn” to subsequent playing action such as runners tagging up and trying to advance as quickly as possible. The problem is when that can of corn suddenly ends up spilled all over the supermarket aisle.

Did the outfielder actually complete the catch and drop the ball during his voluntary release of starting his throw back to the infield? Or did he never complete the act of making a catch by rule? Only a split-second may differentiate between the two, but you may not have the information to rule accurately if that’s the moment in time you have taken your eyes off the play.

Double-play situations are also a prime time for this type of problem. Let’s say you’re working two-umpire mechanics and the defense is trying to turn a 6-4-3 double play. As the base umpire in the middle of the infield, you need to be aware of a successful turn at second base that includes the second baseman catching the ball and stepping on the bag, while also keeping an initial look on any illegal activity by R1 coming into the base. You then must follow the second throw to first base and try to have a good look at what is often a bang-bang play. That’s a lot of information for one set of eyes to digest.

It’s made even more troubling, however, if you miss any one part of the play to move on to another. All umpires have faced the situation where, convinced of the first out, they turn their head too quickly to see the back end of the play, only to find out the baseball is now lying on the ground at the second baseman’s feet. Did he complete the catch of the first throw by the shortstop and then drop the ball on the transfer? Did he never actually complete the catch? It’s a play that can quickly put a knot in your stomach when you realize you didn’t actually see it and can’t honestly rule on it.

Errant throws

Lucky is the umpire who has never taken a thrown baseball off the melon. However, your odds of avoiding such ignominy are greatly increased if you can just remember to always keep your eye on the baseball and not assume a player is going to have true aim.
A perfect example is the ball hit deep in the hole at shortstop with an umpire in the “C” position. Once the ball has been fielded, many umpires have turned their back on the baseball on this play in anticipation of the long throw to first base, setting up two potential problems.

The first is there is no guarantee that shortstop is going to have the accuracy to avoid pegging you. How many times has one of these throws whizzed right past your ear, leaving you with the realization that had you taken one false step in your set-up to see the play at first base, you would have instead been lying on the ground seeing stars?
Or, how about this embarrassing wrinkle: The shortstop never actually throws the baseball. If you’re in “C,” that means there is a runner on second or third base. Ever experienced the situation where the ball is hit deep in the hole, you turn toward first and crouch down to give the shortstop plenty of room to make his throw, and then you realize there isn’t one, because instead a play is being made on that lead runner, and you never saw it? That’s a fun one to try to explain to an exasperated coach.

The bottom line in all of these situations, and the many, many more that we haven’t even dug into? Keep your eyes on the baseball. If you can see it, you can at least sell it. You may not have everyone in agreement with your judgment, but at least you will be able to say that you had all the necessary information to make your ruling.

The post Seeing Is Believing appeared first on Referee.com.

Developing positive habits can help you get refocused while on the field or court. One example is picking a particular spot on the court or field and looking at that spot every time you need to refocus.

A habit I’ve developed for the football field is looking at the pylon in the end zone, the midfield logo or at a goalpost. Finding a particular spot on the field can help you eliminate distractions, focus and be at your best.

Another situation in which we might be prone to lose focus is when we miss a call. I know I’ve made a call that I’d like to have back and a coach is letting me hear it. All of a sudden all I’m thinking about is what is being shouted at me and I’m not focused on the game in front of me. In those cases, as difficult as it may be, we need to acknowledge our mistake, forgive ourselves for it, move on to the next play and leave the blunder behind. The beautiful thing about sports is the next play is seconds away. We just need to learn to weather the storm and get the next one right.

Another situation in which we might lose focus during a game is when we are feeling hungry or thirsty. When we do not properly fuel our bodies before a game we are doing the athletes a disservice, because we are not taking care of ourselves. Taking care of ourselves will help others to know and understand we care just as much about the game as they do.

Some of the best forms of energy are a Snickers bar, protein bar, Gatorade, and peanut butter and toast wrapped in Saran or a Ziplock bag to name a few. Any of those can be stored in your bag and consumed at halftime or between games to get your motor running again.

Another thing you can use that will help you stay focused during the course of the game is to have a pregame routine. It can become all too easy for officials to just show up to a game and start. I know that to be a better referee you need to have a pregame routine. By not doing this you will not be at your best.

My pregame routine consists of getting to the game site as soon as I can and then going through stretching, and mentally going through the game and what I need to do. Everyone’s pregame routine will be different. It is important to have one.
Not dressing appropriately for the weather is another thing that can prevent you from maintaining focus during the course of the game. It is better to be over prepared than under prepared. If the forecast indicates it will be cold, do not try to tough it out or play the hero thinking onlookers will admire your toughness. Bring cold-weather gear with you. You can always shed layers if the weather turns out to be nicer than expected.

Pregame prep helps you start the game focused. Studying film of your previous games gives you the opportunity to sharpen your mechanics and positioning. Do not fall into the trap of thinking just because you’ve been officiating a long time you do not have to watch film. By watching film of the teams you’ll be officiating, you know what to look for and expect during a game. You’ll recognize team and player tendencies and be better prepared to cover plays.

Lack of focus can sometimes lead you to anticipate action. For instance, if your mind is wandering you may see a ball bouncing toward the sideline and blow it dead before it actually goes out of bounds. Something as simple as breathing can help you relax and regain focus. Take big deep breaths, hold them for 10 seconds and then exhale forcefully. That brief break can be the cure whenever you feel your mind drifting and the resultant anxiety.

As a referee it is all too important to stay focused during the course of the game. When we stay focused we are giving the coaches and athletes our absolute best in everything we do. By picking a particular spot on the field to look at when we get distracted, by looking professional and having the right attire, and by watching film before the game, you can help yourself stay focused during the course of your game.
Braden Lewis is a high school football referee from Fort Worth, Texas. *

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The slot is defined as the area between the catcher’s inside shoulder and the batter when the batter is in a natural stance and the catcher is in the normal crouched position behind the plate. The slot affords the umpire an excellent line of sight for seeing the zone, checked swings, hit batters, illegally batted balls and catch/no-catch by the catcher.
Too often, umpires set up in the center of the plate right over the catcher’s head. While this may give you a centered look at the strike zone, it also puts you in a lot of danger. First, foul balls will have a way of finding your head if you center yourself over the plate. For your health and safety, you should never start in this position. Second, if the catcher rises at the last minute or pops up early, you will have a great look at the back of the catcher’s head, but a terrible look at the strike zone.

Instead, work to get yourself into the slot so you have the best look at every pitch. By being in the slot, you should be able to see the outside corner clearly. If you are unable to see the corner, you either are too far behind the catcher or you aren’t truly in the slot. In order to accurately and consistently call the outside pitch, you need to be able to see it. Otherwise, it just becomes a guessing game, which isn’t good for anyone. Use the warmup pitches prior to the start of each half-inning in the first inning to see where the catcher sets up and work to make sure you can see the zone clearly. Use those pitches wisely so when the first pitch of the inning happens, you aren’t caught off guard. Set the tone early.

Once you are in the slot, you should have an unobstructed view of the pitch from the time it leaves the pitcher’s hand until it arrives in the catcher’s glove. If the catcher slides over or raises a bit, simply raise a little higher so you can see the entire play. While we have all had a catcher jump up on us and had a coach then complain when we called a pitch a ball, you can only use that excuse so often. At the end of the day, it is our job as plate umpires to do everything we can to see each pitch and rule on them. Some catchers will require you to work harder than others.

Remember, calling balls and strikes is only one of your responsibilities as the plate umpire. You also have several other responsibilities that require you to have an unobstructed view in order to get the call right. The first is whether the ball hit the batter on a pitch. Being in the slot allows you to track the ball all the way to the catcher’s glove. If you are not in the slot, chances are you are going to get blocked out by the catcher or her head.

The same goes for balls low in the zone. If a batter swings at a low pitch, you need to be able to see if the catcher is able to catch it (or if you have a dropped third strike), or if the batter nicks the ball, you need to know if it is a foul ball or a foul tip. Being in the slot allows you to see the ball all the way back to the catcher and accurately make these calls.

It also allows you the ability to see when a batter makes contact with the ball when starting to run to first base. The slot allows you to get a much better look at whether batters are still in the box when they contact the ball a second time or if they are outside the box. When directly behind the catcher, you will notice you are often obstructed by the catcher and unable to see what happens in front of the plate. These plays happen very quickly and if you are in the slot, it gives you a much better view of these plays.

The slot also allows for much easier movement once the ball is put in play. It will allow you to nail those calls when the ball goes directly off the batter’s foot after contact as opposed to guessing whether it hit a foot or the dirt. It also allows you to quickly clear a catcher when you are responsible for trailing a runner to first base or when you have to get to third to cover the bag. If you are directly behind the catcher, you will find yourself either being stepped on repeatedly by the catcher or bumping into the catcher when you take your first step. Being in the slot allows you to pivot and create space.

If you are struggling with your strike zone or not feeling comfortable with seeing plays that happen near the plate once the ball is contacted, chances are your initial setup is not correct. Work on getting into the slot and finding an unobstructed view. You may feel a little unprotected at first, but once you get comfortable, you will never go back to your old ways.

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Pitcher’s Pivot Foot (6A-3k)

Pitchers in the women’s and JO programs may either push off and drag the pivot foot in contact with the ground or have both feet in the air. In the past, pitchers in these programs had to drag the pivot foot but were allowed some flexibility if a hole had been created in front of the pitcher’s plate. With the change in rules, umpires are no longer forced to guess if the pivot foot remains at the same height as the pitcher’s plate or if the pitcher’s pivot foot elevates. Pitchers may now be airborne with both feet (leap), provided the pitcher does not replant and restart (crow hop). It is still illegal if a pitcher leaps and lands with the hands together and pushes again.

“I believe the USA Softball Council felt that there are pitching techniques being taught that cause the pivot foot to disengage with the ground which was being called illegal,” Ryan said. “However, they did not feel this gave a pitcher an advantage, but allowed for different pitching techniques to be allowed in women’s and JO games.”

Play 1: On delivery of the pitch, F1’s pivot loses contact with the ground as she drives forward to deliver the pitch. F1 delivers the pitch as her pivot foot returns to the ground in a smooth drag along the ground without replanting. Ruling 1: Legal. The new rule allows the pivot foot to become airborne, as long as the pivot foot does not replant.

Play 2: On delivery of the pitch, F1’s pivot foot becomes airborne on her initial drive to the plate. The pivot foot lands on the ground and bears weight, then F1 drives from the new location while releasing the pitch. Ruling 2: Illegal. This is a crow hop and remains illegal. The pivot foot may not replant and initiate a second drive after losing contact with the ground.

Time Limits (5-10a, b and c)

A major change to the rules has an impact in the time limits in regard to JO fastpitch classifications. In the past, during JO pool play and elimination games, once a game reached the hour and 20 minute mark, the current inning would be completed then another inning (or half inning if the home team was leading) would be played. The new rule puts the time limit at an hour and 40 minutes and finish the inning. The new rule removes the requirement to play an additional inning once the time limit has been reached and adds an additional 20 minutes to the time limit. All other portions of the rule in regard to the use of a tiebreaker and at what stage of play the time limit are waived (elimination games, championship game, etc.) remain.
“The USA Softball Council came to the conclusion, based on feedback from our teams and coaches, that the old time-limit rule of playing one more inning was slowing the overall pace of play,” Ryan said. “In some cases, it was also causing gamesmanship in its own way.”

Play 3: During pool play in a 14-under national championship tournament, in the bottom of the fifth inning, the umpire’s timer expires indicating an hour and 40 minutes have elapsed. The score is tied, 4-4. Ruling: Umpires should finish the fifth inning and if the home team does not score, the tiebreaker will begin in the top of the sixth inning. If the home team scores in the bottom of the fifth, the game is over.

Play 4: During pool play in a 16-under national championship tournament, with the home team leading, 5-4, the bottom of the fifth inning concludes. As the home team starts its warmups in the top of the sixth inning, the umpire’s timer sounds, indicating an hour and 40 minutes has expired. Ruling 4: The umpires should play the sixth inning. If the visiting team does not score, the game will end after the top half of the sixth. If the visiting team ties the game or takes the lead, the home team would get the opportunity to bat in the bottom of the sixth.

Extra Players (4-1c-1)

This adds subsections d and e to the rule. Subsection d allows for one extra player so a team may bat 10. Subsection e allows a team to use the DP/Flex with one extra player and bat 10. In both, any player in the lineup can play defense and any substitutions for the pitcher and catcher must be reported. The new rule is in effect for all JO girls’ classifications. It is important for umpires to note that in e, the DP/Flex is in effect so if the Flex is removed from playing defense, it is considered a substitution.

Play 5: On the initial lineup given to the umpires at the pregame plate meeting, the home coach is using the DP/Flex and using an extra player (hitting 10). In the third inning, the coach decides to put the extra player in to play defense at second base, where the Flex was playing. Ruling 5: In this scenario, the Flex has been removed from the game and it counts as a substitution against the Flex. While any player in the lineup is eligible to play defense, if the Flex is removed from a defensive position, it counts as a substitution.

Play 6: On the initial lineup, the visiting coach is batting 10 players, using an extra player and not utilizing a DP/Flex. In the fourth inning, the coach wants to put the batter listed in the 10th spot (the original extra player) in to pitch. Ruling 6: Legal. The coach must report the change to the plate umpire since the change pertains to the pitching position. All 10 batters in the lineup will still bat as any of the 10 players listed may play defense and there is no change to the batting order.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Rule (4-2l)

This creates an additional section to the ADA Rule which allows a player with a disability, who needs to come out of the game due to the disability, to have a replacement player until the disability subsides. In the event of a diabetic event or any other medical event that requires the player to come off the field until the event is over, it allows another player to go into the game and does not count as a substitution. Some rule codes have recently adopted rules similar to deal with potential concussions. The important thing to remember is to allow treatment of the player and allow another player in to take the place of said player without penalty.

Bat Attachment (3-1d)

This change affects the way in which bat attachments are added to the grip. The rule removes the language that required attachments such as molded finger grips, a flare cone or choke-up device to be attached with grip tape. Using tape to attach these to the bat is no longer required.

Slow-Pitch Count (7-3b)

All JO girls’ classifications of slow-pitch play will utilize a one ball, one strike count to all batters entering the batter’s box. This puts girls’ JO slow pitch in line with other classifications and will help with pace of play.

Slow-Pitch Time Limit (6C-3j)

For slow-pitch games, pitchers have five seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball or after the umpire indicates “play ball.” In the past, pitchers had 10 seconds to release the pitch. Failure to release the ball within five seconds results in an illegal pitch infraction.

Ball Specifications (3-3a)

USA Softball is adopting specifications for the 12-inch fastpitch ball that will create common specifications among USA Softball, NFHS and NCAA rule codes. NFHS and NCAA rule codes have already adopted these specifications and it is designed to help manufacturers who create the ball. The new specifications will go into effect in 2024.

Player Designation (4-1c)

This changes the designation of “baseman” to “base player.” The change better represents all who participate in USA Softball and makes the designation gender neutral.

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The shortstop ended up with the baseball, jogged near the bag, touched it on his way by, then tossed the ball back to the pitcher. I did nothing, and the game proceeded accordingly.

Because I had heard their conversation and have a pretty good understanding of the game, I knew what the defensive team was trying to do. However, because I also have a good understanding of the rulebook, I also knew that given how the players handled this particular situation, there was nothing for me to do as an umpire. There are specific conditions that must be adhered to in order for a defensive team to make a valid appeal. Asking the umpire to engage in guesswork is not one of them.

Let’s begin by looking at the definition of the word “appeal” as found in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: a serious request for help or support; an application (as to a recognized authority) for corroboration, vindication or a decision; an earnest plea; to make an earnest request.

The key words to take away from that definition are “request” and “application.” In other words, the party seeking redress must ask for it. There is no assumption allowed and it cannot happen accidentally.

So, back to the baseball field. All three rules codes (NFHS, NCAA and pro) spell out their procedures for proper appeals. In both the NFHS and NCAA, runners being out on appeal are covered in rule 8, which details all the rules related to baserunning. In pro, the applicable rule is 5.09.

There are two basic reasons for an appeal: a baserunner has either missed a base or has left a base before the ball is first touched on a caught fly ball. While the reasons for an appeal are fairly basic, the manner in which they must be initiated and how they may ultimately be administered are many. For the purposes of this article, we are not going to get too deep into the weeds about “why” an appeal is being made. Instead, our focus is going to be on the “how.”

The game I mentioned at the outset of this article was played according to NFHS rules. So let’s look at the following provisions in the penalty section of NFHS rule 8-2: A live-ball appeal may be made by a defensive player with the ball in his possession by tagging the runner or touching the base that was missed or left too early. A dead-ball appeal may be made by a coach or any defensive player with or without the ball by verbally stating the runner missed the base or left the base too early.

In order to make a valid appeal in the play described, the shortstop would have needed to make a valid live-ball appeal by either tagging the runner he believed missed second base (assuming the runner was standing on a succeeding base) and informing me why he was doing so, or by touching second base and informing me why he was doing so (or through an act unmistakable in both its intent as an appeal and the nature of the appeal). He needed to appeal to me the baserunner had committed one of those two baserunning infractions we already listed. Instead, he did neither. And, as such, I did nothing.

Because this was a summer league baseball game where the stakes were minimal, I opted to use the situation as a teachable moment — something I would never do in a regular-season varsity contest or college game to avoid the appearance of coaching players. When the shortstop came back onto the field the next inning to play defense, I instructed him his appeal was not valid, which is why I did not react. For all I knew, his stepping on second base while holding the baseball was nothing more than a happy accident, one for which I could not reward his team with an out had the baserunner erred in his baserunning responsibilities.

I also explained to him that had he executed a valid appeal, the runner would have been safe, as I clearly saw him touch the base. The last thing I wanted was the shortstop to later mischaracterize our conversation with his coach, believing the only reason he did not get an out was because of what one might try to term a “technicality.”

Let’s look at a recent example on a much bigger stage of why a team cannot be given credit for a happy accident. During Game 6 of the 2021 World Series, the Astros’ Michael Brantley and Braves pitcher Max Fried became briefly tangled up on a play at first base. Brantley, the batter-runner, was trying to beat out a ground ball and reached first base before Fried caught a throw and brushed the bag with his foot. However, Brantley never touched first base. The ruling umpire, Doug Eddings, signaled Brantley was safe on the play.

Replays showed Fried was the only one of the two who actually touched first base. However, according to baseball rules not just at the MLB level, but also the NCAA and NFHS levels, once a batter-runner advances past first base, if he does so before a defensive player touches the base, he is ruled safe, and the only remedy for the defense is a valid appeal (NFHS 8-2 Pen.; NCAA 8-6a3; pro 5.09c2).

Had Fried touched first base and announced his intention he was appealing the fact Brantley missed the base, an out should have been ruled. Had Fried tagged Brantley before the latter safely returned to first base, an out should have been ruled.
The fact that Fried’s foot brushed the bag moments after Brantley passed it? A happy accident that has no bearing on the play.

The post No Happy Accidents appeared first on Referee.com.

But nothing gets (or deserves) the amount of attention, anticipation and excitement of a play at the plate.

Proper positioning and mechanics that govern plays at the plate will keep you from a bad result when all eyes are upon you.

Proper Positioning

Some umpires firmly believe in taking plays at the plate from a set location, whether it is the third-base line extended or the first-base line extended. Both positions have faults, however.

From the third-base line extended, you can’t see a swipe tag on the runner’s backside. And from the first-base line extended, you can get blocked out and not see if the runner reached the plate, especially if he cuts to the inside.

Because a play can develop from a wide variety of angles, the best place to start is just off the dirt circle and directly behind the point of the plate. That gives you the option to read the throw and adjust accordingly. Stay along the outside of the dirt circle so that you keep your field of vision wide. You may end up along one of the foul lines extended, or you could possibly circle all the way around and end up in fair territory.

One thing you’ll have to be ready for is previous runners, the on-deck batter and the pitcher getting in your way. Use your voice to keep them clear, but also be aware they can be guilty of obstruction or interference.

No matter how you adjust and move to get the best angle, you should still be stopped and set for the play when it happens. Being set, however, does not mean dropping to one knee. That traps you and gives you little opportunity to move or react to a bad throw or a runner’s sudden movement.

Mechanics

There are two specific things you need to be aware of when it comes to your mechanics of making the call — timing and the runner actually touching the plate.

Even though everyone is waiting with more anticipation than normal considering the magnitude of the play, there is no need for you to rush.

A good technique is to call the runner safe as soon as you determine that he is, but to ensure that you see the ball — “Show me the ball!” — before you call an out. More than one umpire has been fooled thinking that an out has occurred at the plate only to find the pitcher chasing the baseball that has gotten away.

The scoring of a run is final, so once you have ruled the runner has met his responsibilities, you can’t turn back. That is why the plate is treated differently than other bases when it comes to the runner missing. If you signal safe, the run has scored. You can’t make that (or any) signal until the runner is either out or has touched the plate.

Yes, that tips off the defense when no signal is made, but the defense isn’t the one who made the mistake of not touching.

The post All Eyes Are On You appeared first on Referee.com.

For example, if a player ends the dribble and then fumbles the ball, he or she cannot dribble again. After recovering, he or she has the option to pass or shoot without committing a violation.

During a dribble, A1 inadvertently touches the ball simultaneously with both hands and then fumbles the ball while attempting to catch it. In that situation, A1 can retrieve the ball without violating.

Use patience in fumble situations.

When a closely guarded player ends a dribble and then the ball comes loose, it is important to know whether the loose ball was fumbled or batted by the defender. Remember, because a fumble is not a second dribble by the player, that player may pursue and recover the ball without committing a violation. However, it is illegal to dribble again after recovering the fumble. When a dribble is ended by the opponent’s bat of the ball, unlike a fumble, the dribbler can recover and then start a new dribble without violating.

Use patience in those situations. The NFHS rulebook says that a fumble is the accidental loss of player control when the ball unintentionally drops or slips from a player’s grasp. Wait until the player regains control of the ball and then passes or shoots it before determining if a violation has occurred.

There also are times when a player fumbles the ball while attempting to make a throw-in pass. Violation? Most of the time, no. For example, the official bounces the ball to A1 for a designated-spot throw-in along the endline. A1 mishandles the pass from the official and the ball rolls several feet away. A1 leaves the designated spot to retrieve the ball. Has a violation occurred? In this situation the ball inadvertently got away from A1. The administering official should repeat the throw-in process.

The administering official should blow the whistle as soon as he or she recognizes the ball was mishandled or fumbled, which will cause the ball to become dead immediately. The throw-in should then be re-administered without penalty.

*Article revised Nov. 2022 after rule language clarification* 

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Conversely, there are several easy ways to put your career on the fast track to Nowheresville. If it’s your aim to attempt career suicide, simply try any or all of the methods listed below.

Suicide by mouth.

Want to become a pariah in our industry? Spread harmful information (especially unfounded rumors) about other officials to coaches. It may seem like you’re doing yourself some good, making yourself seem like a peach of a human being in comparison to the louts and louses who work the same teams you do. But spout enough venom and you’ll find the coaches will begin to ask around about you. And good luck finding a partner or getting on a crew if the people you want to officiate with are the same ones you’ve been denigrating.

Assigners and coordinators also enjoy being bad-mouthed…not. So if you want a full schedule of good games, don’t yammer to your cronies about the one week you’ve been assigned a game featuring the two cellar-dwellers. It will get back to the assigner faster than you can say, “You’re done.”

Suicide by deception.

Speaking of assigners, you’ll get on their bad side by lying about why you’re dumping a game you were previously assigned. The vast majority of assigners are more than happy to find a substitute for you if you have to turn back a game because an offer for a game at a higher level came along.

Depending on local policy, the assigner might be even more forgiving if you offer the name of a qualified, competent substitute you’ve contacted before you accepted the better game and contacted the assigner.

But if you develop an imaginary cough in order to convince the assigner you’re too sick to work his or her assignment, you’d better be sure your photo doesn’t show up in the newspaper or your image on the TV highlight show that night while you were working a “better” game.

Suicide by sarcasm.

Your skills as an amateur comedian may serve you well at parties and at association meetings, but those one-liners will come back to haunt you if they’re directed at coaches and players.

More than one official has been told by an angry coach, “You’ll never work here again.” But the ones who have responded, “And the downside of that is … ?” earned a rim shot, a cymbal clash and a lot of open dates for future seasons.

Communications with coaches and players must be even-tempered and professional. Save the wisecracks for the comedy club.

Suicide by sloth.

Have you taken care of those contracts you got electronically or in the mail? Failure to take care of the business side of officiating will bite you in the posterior eventually.

Are you constantly waiting for the deadline to turn in tests, pay dues or take care of registration? That sort of procrastination speaks to others about your reliability and organizational skills. Take care of the paperwork immediately and concentrate on the more important aspects such as rules and mechanics study.

Suicide by tardiness.

Despite constant reminders, it’s amazing how many officials show up late for assignments or meetings. For some, tardiness has become so habitual that it is counted on by associates.

“Can we start the pregame if Joe isn’t here yet?”

“Why not? We’ve done it the last three weeks.”

At some point those who count on you to be on time will tire of your act and cut you loose. Emergencies and unforeseen incidents do occur and in most cases occasional lateness will be tolerated (but not appreciated).

Remember, however, that the first time you are late for something truly important might be the last because your phone will stop ringing and your mailbox will be empty.

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In your postgame discussion with your co-official, have you ever asked or been asked, “Were you feeling it today?” Everything was clicking, the communication between you and your partner was ESP-like. When you had a question, your partner was there with the answer. Just a wink or a nod and you knew that your fellow referee was in perfect sync with you and the match. When there was a questionable call, you knew exactly what your partner had and were able to explain it to the captain or coach without conferring with your partner.

Treat every match as a critical match. It can be the first match of the year, senior night, the rivalry night in the middle of the season or the match against former teammates from the spring that creates the need for extra focus. When we walk into the gym to referee, we need to assume that the match that we have the honor of working is critical.

As we prepare for that match, we must clear our minds of the events of the day and leave our worries about tomorrow in the pockets of the clothes that we hang in the dressing room. As you change into your referee attire, you begin to focus on feeling the game. You change from your everyday life to the mindset of a facilitator for one of the greatest sports in the world.

Share Expectations with Your Partner

Begin by sharing your expectations of the match with your partner. As you walk onto the court, continue the conversation with your partner about the ground rules and any information that you have about the play of the teams. If there are confusing alignments for service receive patterns, try to unscramble them by sharing cues and tips. Start feeling the game with team-building and collaboration.

You also can unlock the mystery of the needs of the coaches by listening to them during the meet and greet, and whenever they have a question during the match. Don’t assume you know the question; actively listen and then respond using the language of the rules. Give the coach your undivided attention and a respectful answer that projects the confidence that you have in your partners. Every match is a new opportunity for building new or existing confidence that the coaches have in you and your partner.

If you “feel the game,” then you begin to get a sense of the impact players that are on the court feel for the match. The great server, the incredible defensive specialist/libero and the go-to hitters are all key elements for the continuous chess game that the coaches will play. Be prepared for the service pattern to shift at the last second to get the better passer in position to counter the great server or give the go-to hitter the opportunity for a one-on-one with the opposing block, while having the confidence to know that the reception pattern is legal.

As the pace quickens and the intensity of the match grows, keep in mind that you are there to allow the players to exhibit the talents and skills that their coaches have cultivated. We are not there to make a call, we are there to call a fault when it occurs. When the match has developed its natural flow, there are typically fewer infractions to call, so be sure that you don’t act on a feeling of expectation to make a call.

Feeling the game includes holding the participants to a certain behavior standard as well. Referees, players and coaches must respect the game, and act accordingly. As a referee, you are feeling the game effectively when you can draw the line appropriately to allow a reasonable expression of emotion by the participants without crossing the behavioral line.

If the flow of the match allows the players to play and the coaches to coach, then we can truly be an accent to the match that is truly a non-factor. We meet the primary needs of the game by keeping everyone safe, allowing for fairness of play and continuing to be an integral part of the sport by being the equal partner of the three-legged stool of coaches, player and referees.

The post Get in the Groove with Your Partner appeared first on Referee.com.

My softball career was in many ways the same.

My association often asks me to evaluate and umpire with up-and-coming umpires as they work their way through the ranks. It has been a great ride for me, so giving back is something I enjoy.

One week, I was asked to work with a new umpire who was working his first year in a community college conference. That umpire worked hard during the game, asked many questions afterward and was enjoyable to work with. In many ways, he was a lot like me when I started umpiring.

I started umpiring at 45 and started working college ball at 54. It was the lure of working higher level games and the challenges that come with it that made it so attractive. It was then that I decided to start chasing the elephant — the higher reaches of the sport.

The game was so much more competitive than I had experienced in the past and the expectations much higher. Doubt, success, failure, redemption all became a part my softball career. I cannot say my wife shared my enthusiasm, but she gave me my time and I was thankful for her support. There was no offseason. With year-round training, online testing every month, softball camps, roundtables, fall ball, never turning down games and striving to be a better umpire, softball was taking a major part of my life.

I knew that my age was a factor. I looked around at the Division I umpires and understood they all started umpiring at a younger age. If I had any dreams of working Division I games, I was at a disadvantage. I was a fair umpire who hustled and worked very hard. I never worried about keeping up with the successes of others. After every game, I always expected a phone call, but my services were not needed.

Each successful step up the ladder came with the help of others. Observations that were critical gave me a list of mechanics to work on. After one of my games, I asked one of my observers about working at the next level. I appreciated his frankness and unwillingness to tell me the big lie that I could do it. That was reality time, full in your face but with a gracious hand from someone that I looked up to. “You are too old to work at that level,” he said. I knew it and I had no problem with his answer.

Getting back to that umpire with whom I worked that community college game. How could I explain the amount of work and sacrifice ahead of him? I decided to be open with him. He was 62 and just starting to chase his elephant.

I did not envy his situation. We talked more about finding personal satisfaction from the game, no matter what level we worked. I reminisced about my dad and fishing. Dad had said a boy starts out fishing from a pier. As he gets he older buys a bigger and bigger boat. As time passes, the boats get smaller and he eventually is back fishing off the pier. You are still fishing, so find peace with that. To me, the same applies to umpiring.

My partner understood. We discussed how very few umpires have the opportunity to work higher levels. Fate, timing, other commitments and life in general keep many umpires from reaching their full potential. That game was in early spring and we were thankful to be on the field on a sunny, warm day doing what we loved. That was also the day that I decided it would be my last year working college ball.

There are more chapters to our lives and we must not be afraid to turn the page and explore them. Walking away from the field does not mean there will not be new challenges ahead. I will still keep the passion for softball and want to share that experience with our next generation of umpires.

Umpiring created a tight bond with friends that I will cherish. It would be hard to find another set of professionals that have a greater passion for what they do. They do not do it for the money. But if camaraderie was money, those would be the richest people in the world.

P.S. I worked a rec ball game one day. Still had fun even if there were no elephants around.

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